Coach Roy listed his top-six defensive pairings as of now after practice this morning. Roy also disclosed that he will keep 13 forwards and eight defensemen on the regular roster when the season starts Wednesday.

Of course, Ryan Wilson (knee) is not back on skates yet, so that leaves an opening for someone to take his place. But assuming everyone is healthy by opening night or soon after, that is the D lineup Roy sees. Right now, Nate Guenin [1]and Nick Holden[2] have to be considered two of the biggest surprises of training camp. Both have a little NHL experience. Both are big, rugged guys, though Holden had a very good offensive season last year with Columbus’ AHL farm club, Springfield (73 9-30 39).

Including Wilson, the Avs have nine defensemen left on the camp roster. So, the reality is there are two jobs among three guys – Guenin, Holden and Matt Hunwick. We’ll see who wins the battle. The next two preseason games will determine it.